In a significant diplomatic overture, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has thanked Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his congratulations on the party's landslide victory in the country's parliamentary elections, signaling a strong desire to reset and strengthen bilateral relations between the two neighbors.
The BNP, which secured a decisive mandate in the 13th parliamentary elections, took to social media platform X to express its appreciation for the Indian leader's outreach. "Thank you very much, Honourable Narendra Modi. We greatly appreciate your kind acknowledgement of Mr Tarique Rahman's leadership in securing the BNP's decisive win in the national elections," the party stated.
The BNP and its allies secured 212 of the 297 seats declared, with the party itself winning 209 seats independently—a commanding majority that marks its return to power after a 20-year hiatus . The right-wing Jamaat-e-Islami Bangladesh-led alliance emerged as the principal opposition with 77 seats, while independents and smaller parties claimed the remainder .
The elections recorded a voter turnout of 59.44 per cent, with the referendum conducted alongside the parliamentary polls seeing approximately 60.26 per cent participation . The Awami League, led by former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, was barred from contesting the polls following the political upheaval that ended her 15-year rule in August 2024.
In its message to Modi, the BNP emphasized that the election outcome "reflects the trust and confidence the people of Bangladesh have placed in our leadership and in the democratic process" . The party reaffirmed its commitment to "democratic governance and inclusive development," stating that "Bangladesh remains committed to upholding democratic values, inclusivity, and progressive development for all its citizens."
The BNP's message to Modi carried particular significance regarding the future of bilateral ties. "We look forward to engaging constructively with India to advance our multifaceted relationship, guided by mutual respect, sensitivity to each other's concerns, and a shared commitment to peace, stability, and prosperity in our region," the party stated .
This sentiment was reciprocated by Modi, who had earlier congratulated Rahman both in a message and during a phone conversation. "I convey my warm congratulations to Mr. Tarique Rahman on leading BNP to a decisive victory in the Parliamentary elections in Bangladesh," Modi said. "India will continue to stand in support of a democratic, progressive and inclusive Bangladesh" .
In a separate message following their telephone conversation, Modi wrote: "Delighted to speak with Mr. Tarique Rahman. I congratulated him on the remarkable victory in the Bangladesh elections. As two close neighbours with deep-rooted historical and cultural ties, I reaffirmed India's continued commitment to the peace, progress, and prosperity of both our peoples" .
In a move signaling the importance New Delhi holds for the incoming administration, top BNP leader Humayun Kabir confirmed that Prime Minister Modi will be invited to Tarique Rahman's oath-taking ceremony, scheduled for February 17-18 .
Kabir, the Joint Secretary General (International Affairs) and advisor to Rahman, described the invitation as a "goodwill gesture" aimed at fostering better relations. "Region is important to us. An important part of the foreign policy of Tarique Rahman is making this region an influential region," Kabir told WION .
The BNP leader also indicated that the new government intends to pursue a balanced approach to regional cooperation, with multilateral platforms like SAARC and BIMSTEC presenting opportunities for engagement .
The BNP's victory has drawn widespread international recognition. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio congratulated the party and its leadership, stating: "Congratulations to the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), party leader Tarique Rahman, and the people of Bangladesh. The United States looks forward to working with the newly elected government to advance prosperity and the security of the region" .
China's embassy in Dhaka also extended congratulations, expressing readiness to work with the new government on "writing new chapters of China-Bangladesh relations" . Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif offered his "warmest felicitations," noting his desire to "work closely with the new Bangladesh leadership to further strengthen our historic, brotherly multifaceted bilateral relations" .
Other regional leaders, including those from Malaysia, Nepal, Bhutan, and the Maldives, have also conveyed their congratulations, reflecting broad international interest in Bangladesh's political transition .
Despite the optimistic tone, analysts note that significant challenges lie ahead for bilateral relations. The presence of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina in India since her ouster in 2024 remains a sensitive issue that could complicate future diplomatic discussions .
Shafqat Munir, Senior Fellow at the Bangladesh Institute of Peace and Security Studies, described the election result as marking "a new chapter," while emphasizing that "the first task for both sides would be to rebuild trust and address the trust deficit that has developed. The messages emanating from the Indian leadership are indeed steps in the right direction" .
The BNP's return to power after two decades, with Tarique Rahman—who spent 17 years in self-exile in London—emerging as the new face of Bangladesh's leadership, represents a significant political transformation. As the country navigates this transition, the early diplomatic outreach between Dhaka and New Delhi suggests both capitals recognize the imperative of constructive engagement for regional stability and prosperity.
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